I first experienced this great soup (the Stilton makes all the difference) on my honeymoon at a little cafe and bookstore near the train station in Edinburgh, Scotland. The day was damp, misty and cool and we were tired from a long train trip from London
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 leek, chopped
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 baking potato, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 ounces Stilton cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
PREPARATION:
Separate 3/4 cup of the cauliflower florets and place them in a pan of boiling water. Boil for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse under cold water, and set aside for garnish.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, leek and celery. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add potato, chicken broth, uncooked cauliflower and sherry. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until potatoes and cauliflower are tender. Remove from heat.
Puree the cauliflower mixture in batches using a food processor or blender, and transfer to a soup pot over medium-low heat. I like it smooth but still with little tiny bits in it. Season with white pepper, black pepper and salt. Stir in the milk and cream, then crumble in the Stilton cheese. Heat through, but do not boil.
Ladle into bowls, and garnish with cauliflower pieces and chopped fresh parsley.